The right choice of siding can make a world of difference in the look of
your home. New siding is beautiful and clean, but a crisp appearance
doesn%u2019t necessarily last forever.

Understanding the conditions that cause siding to buckle is
significant to protecting your investment.

The right choice of siding can make a world of difference in the look
of your home. New siding is beautiful and clean, but a crisp appearance
doesn’t necessarily last forever. Over time, home siding may begin
to develop unsightly deformities, like buckling and bulging. The
best way to prevent siding damage is by performing regular maintenance.

Vinyl
siding is one of the most common types, but it also happen to be the
most susceptible to buckling. Vinyl materials contain properties that
expand and contract under thermal changes. This means that during
temperature fluctuations the siding must be able to breathe and move
freely. Without room to expand and contract, siding will develop concave
sections. Extreme weather conditions aren’t the exception.
Re-painted panels and improper installation also have an impact.

What causes siding to buckle?

Temperature changes: Exposure to cold and hot
conditions can damage siding. Cold temperatures cause contraction and
hot temperatures cause expansion. Once the siding expands or contracts
and remains in that position for an extended period of time, buckling
occurs.

Improper installation: Quality, professional
installation is paramount to straight and clean siding. Two errors can
happen during installation—1) siding is nailed too tightly, and 2)
siding panels are cut too long. When panels are nailed too tightly,
there is little room allotted for contraction and expansion. If panels
are cut too long, they will push against the trim. Both installation
errors cause buckling.

However, choosing the wrong paint color can do more harm than good.
Using a darker paint color than the original may create buckling
in various sections. Since dark colors retain heat, thermal conditions
have an effect. If you want to repaint, choose colors wisely.
The paint should be identical to the original color or only
slightly darker.

Siding damage isn’t just an unsightly inconvenience that
impacts a home’s appearance, it’s also potentially
dangerous. Siding protects your home, so it’s critical to
identify damage and plan for repairs. Have a professional siding
contractor take a look to determine if the buckling is purely a cosmetic
issue, or something more concerning.